Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Featuring lean ground beef simmered with garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce of brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it’s served over rice and topped with fresh veggies and sesame seeds. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for meal prepping or a simple, comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded carrots
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger (or ground ginger) to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about one minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, enhancing the flavors.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare to serve: Spoon the hot beef mixture over 2 cups of cooked rice of your choice, whether white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add toppings and enjoy: Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Make it meal prep friendly by doubling the recipe and storing portions in the fridge for up to 4 days; it reheats well.
- Add a fried egg on top for extra richness and a touch of creaminess.
- Fresh garlic and ginger significantly improve the aroma and depth of flavor.
Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick Korean recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Korean beef, ground beef bowl, Korean rice bowl
